Better than Sexy

by Carly Phillips

  Two things she’d come to realize after today. If nothing else came of this summer at Club Ten29, she’d leave with a full set of recordings for big labels to consider, and if she wasn’t careful, she’d also end up with a broken heart.

  * * *

  Landon stepped out of the elevator in time to see Vivi grab her bag and rush away from Tanner, and a knot formed in his stomach. Heading over to the bar, he slammed a hand onto the counter to catch his friend’s attention.

  “Hey. Did you say something to upset her?” Landon gestured to the door that Vivi had walked out of.

  “Looks like I’m getting no work done this morning,” Tanner said with a groan and pushed aside the iPad he’d been looking at. “I didn’t say anything other than the truth.”

  “Which is?” Landon pulled up a stool and sat down, leaning an arm on the counter.

  Obviously resigned to a conversation, Tanner grabbed two bottles of water out of the fridge, sliding one across the counter to Landon. “That she’s Vic’s sister and she comes with bad memories and baggage.” Opening the cap, he took a long sip, not meeting Landon’s gaze.

  “What else?” Because Landon knew his friend inside and out, and the man wasn’t being one hundred percent honest.

  Tanner clenched and unclenched his jaw. “I might have mentioned that if she were smart she’d back off on her own. Fuck, man, you can do better than that bastard’s sister.”

  Hands curling into fists at his sides, Landon glared. “Did I tell you to stay away from Scarlett? That a DA had no place in the life of someone once arrested for assault? Or did I back you the fuck up when you wanted to run?”

  Tanner shook his head. “It’s not the same thing.”

  “No, it isn’t. In that case, you were the one who’d done something shitty. But Vivi wasn’t in that basement. She didn’t kill my brother.” He paused and drew a deep breath. “And she doesn’t have a relationship with the man who did. She isn’t making excuses for him. Hell, she doesn’t even want anything to do with Vic.” Defending Vivi seemed right to him, a necessity or else he’d lose something precious.

  Tanner frowned. “But–”

  “No buts. Either you’re on my side or you aren’t. I’m not walking away from her, so make your choice.” Landon’s breath came out in harsh rasps as he went up against one of the men who’d saved him from losing his mind at a fragile time in his life.

  His friend lowered his head for a moment before looking up. “I’m looking out for you. She’s Vic’s sister!”

  “But she’s not Vic!” Landon yelled back. “If Jason or I disapproved of Scarlett, would you have walked away?”

  With a groan, Tanner shook his head and leaned against the bar. “But you just met her and… Fuck.” His voice trailed off as his memory of his time with Scarlett obviously kicked in.

  He’d laid eyes on her at the bar, taken her upstairs, and hadn’t wanted to let her go. Too bad for him, she’d taken off when he got called away on business, but luckily she’d left a bracelet in his bed and returned for it later the next day.

  “Jason reacted the same way when he ran into Faith. Hell, he moved her in with him almost immediately when she was in danger. He knew quickly. So did you.”

  “Shit. I made her feel bad.” Tanner slammed his hand down on the counter, his guilty expression enough for Landon to forgive him.

  He still winced, imagining how badly Vivi had taken the fact that one of his best friend’s didn’t want her in his life. She probably assumed Jason felt the same way. And Landon wasn’t sure that Jason also didn’t want Vic’s sister in Landon’s life, which meant he’d have to have a similar discussion with his other partner.

  Speaking of Jason… “If I remember correctly, Tanner, you were rough on Faith, too.” Landon recalled the time when Jason had brought Faith to the club so she wasn’t left alone and Tanner had been a dick. “Look, I know you worry for the people you care about, but sometimes you have to trust that we know what’s best for ourselves.”

  Of them all, Tanner had the roughest life growing up. His father had been an abusive bastard, and Tanner had learned to protect the people he cared about by fighting. It had taken being arrested and Jason pulling strings to get his record expunged for Tanner to get his head on straight. These days his punches were in the gym only. But old protective habits died hard, and Landon understood that Vivi’s relation to Vic was a tough pill to swallow.

  It wasn’t that it was easy for Landon, it was more that she’d gotten to him in a way that no woman ever had, enough that he was willing to deal with whatever baggage came along with her. That said, he didn’t know if he’d feel the same way if she and her brother were close. Thankfully that wasn’t something he needed to worry about.

  “I’m sorry, man. I’ll try and see her for who she is and not who she’s related to.” Tanner raised his water bottle and took a sip.

  “That’s all I can ask.” Landon blew out a long breath, wondering how much damage Tanner’s well-meaning but no doubt asshole-ish words had done.

  Vivi already thought they were doomed from the start. He’d have an uphill road convincing her to do what Tanner had said, to see herself for who she was and not as Vic’s sister, especially when it came to having a relationship with him.

  His cell rang, drawing his attention from their conversation. He glanced down to see his father’s name. He’d spoken to his parents once since the interview had broken. Apparently the news station had asked them for an interview as well but they’d turned down the request. They’d been upset enough about Victor discussing Levi’s death on national television so many years later. Landon hadn’t thought it was the right time to tell them he was in a relationship with the man’s sister. That was something that had to be done in person. Explained face-to-face.

  They needed to meet Vivi and see what he did, a sweet, warm, giving woman who’d distanced herself from her brother.

  * * *

  Knowing better but unable to help herself, Vivi read the online reviews for her performance last night while in an Uber on her way back from the recording studio. Her stomach was in knots as she opened her phone and pulled up Owen’s email with the links.

  A star is born.

  Exceptional talent.

  Brainy, beautiful, and going places.

  Most of the reviews noted that the songs she’d written herself had the most depth and brought the most credibility to her voice. Tears filled her eyes in both awe and gratitude.

  How many years had she lain in bed at night, dreaming of performing on a stage in front of people? Of having her songs reach the masses? Of one day becoming a household name?

  She was lucky enough to have her songs reaching people now, to be able to spend days recording, and she knew she was bringing people into Club TEN29. At the very least, she was paying forward what they’d given to her. She wasn’t going to dwell on Vic or be able to make up for what he’d done.

  Tanner had made it clear how he felt, and she had no doubt Jason agreed with him. It didn’t matter whether or not they liked her or cared if she was in a relationship with Landon, because she wasn’t here forever. Her dreams were bigger and she finally saw a way to accomplish them, ironically, courtesy of Tanner and his friends.

  The rest of the weekend passed quickly. Her Saturday and Sunday night performances were even better than her first, and she wasn’t being modest. Owen brought in producers to talk to her and promoters. Suddenly she was a hot commodity, and she didn’t have time after her shows to worry about Tanner’s or Jason’s feelings. She was, however, aware of Landon. Even as she met with industry people, she felt the heat of his gaze on her the entire time.

  Just as with Axel, she knew he was watching over her, making sure everyone treated her with the utmost respect, or he was the one coming over to the table with drinks to make sure she was okay. He never had to say a word. It was obvious by his tone and demeanor he’d staked his claim. But he respected her space and her business and he didn’t intrude. In fa
ct, other than a wink when no one else was looking, he kept his distance while she worked. He didn’t even give an encore with her at the piano, and at the end of each long night, she went upstairs alone.

  Which was why she was shocked when a knock sounded at her door Monday morning. She had the day off, both from recording and performing, and she’d planned to stay in all day and relax.

  She opened the door to find Landon wearing a pair of navy boarding shorts, a light blue tee shirt, and a sexy smile on his face.

  “Hi.”

  “Morning.”

  “Umm, what are you doing here?” she asked.

  “Pool day.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “What?”

  “I’m here to take you swimming, so why don’t you change, I’ll wait, and we can get going.” He leaned a hand on the doorframe, watching her expectantly.

  The last thing she’d expected was a day outdoors. “Where do you plan to take me?”

  He tapped her nose and grinned. “That’s a surprise. Do you have other plans?”

  She immediately shook her head, though if she’d been smart, she’d have hesitated. Since the night she’d been with him, she’d managed to keep her distance, and she’d thought, despite his watchful behavior, he’d decided to do the same. Though she’d been disappointed as the two days passed and he hadn’t tried to come upstairs with her again, she understood he’d probably come to his senses. Or that Tanner had gotten through to him in some way, and she’d convinced herself it was for the best.

  He stepped inside and shut the door behind them. “Then go put on a bathing suit and let’s get going.”

  “Okay.” The word was out before she could think. Again.

  So she headed for the bedroom and changed into the bikini she owned but rarely had time to wear. She grabbed an extra-long tee shirt to cover the bathing suit, a pair of flip-flops in her hand, and packed a light bag as if she were going to the beach, including change of clothes, sunglasses, and her phone.

  “I’m ready,” she said, walking out and joining him in the outer room and tossing her things onto the sofa.

  His gaze settled on her body and seared her skin, his eyes darkening as he took her in. “Put that tee shirt on or we’re not going to make it to the pool.”

  Her nipples puckered beneath his heated gaze and her sex pulsed with desire, but she also wanted to know what he had planned. “Fine.” She pulled the tee shirt over her head, let the hem fall to mid-thigh, and slipped on her flip-flops. “Ready.”

  He grinned and held out his hand, waiting until she slid her palm against his before clasping his fingers around her. “Let’s get out of here.”

  After taking the elevator down, they walked through the club and she caught sight of Tanner at the bar.

  “Vivi, come here, please?” Tanner called from across the room.

  She glanced at Landon and he paused mid-stride. “It’s up to you if you want to hear him out.”

  He was her boss, so… “Sure.” She released his grasp and headed over to where the other man sat waiting. She didn’t know what he wanted but assumed he’d be on his best behavior in front of Landon.

  “I owe you an apology,” he said before she could speak, taking her by utter surprise.

  “Oh. I–”

  “I was out of line the other day. The things I said to you were hypocritical. Something Landon pointed out to me.” He propped a hip against the bar. “You see, when I met Scarlett, that was it for me. Nobody could have kept me away from her. So it’s not my place to tell anyone what to do. Not to mention, I’m not a Boy Scout myself. I’m not Vic but I’ve done some shitty things. Let’s just say I won’t be giving you a hard time again.”

  “Umm, wow. Thank you. I appreciate that. And Jason?”

  “Are you kidding? He found Faith on the side of the road with a flat tire and moved her in within a week. He won’t have anything to say.”

  She shook her head. “We’re not like that.” She needed to clarify her relationship with Landon so nobody misunderstood, including Landon. “According to my agent, there should be some big offers coming through by the end of the summer. Things I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.” She glanced up at Landon, her heart pounding as she spoke, a shocking feeling of disappointment running through her at the thought of leaving him. “I’m sure it will involve a lot of travel.”

  A flash of dismay flickered across his face but he masked it quickly. “But we aren’t going to worry about the future now. We’re off to the pool.” He tugged on her hand, and she told herself to put her thoughts aside and to just enjoy the time she had now.

  Landon looked at his friend. “Thanks,” he said, leading her out the door and to his SUV parked behind the club.

  The sun was hot overhead, the warmth of the summer beating down on them. A perfect beach day, she thought, but he’d said they were going to a pool.

  “So … where is this pool?” she asked again.

  He rolled his eyes. “I take it you weren’t good with surprises as a kid?” he asked as he opened her door and she climbed in.

  He shut it behind her and entered the SUV on the driver’s side. Suddenly she was in an enclosed space with a man who smelled delicious and who she wanted desperately. Shifting in her seat, she turned toward him. “No, I used to shake my Christmas gifts under the tree.”

  He laughed. “Naughty girl,” he said in a joking voice.

  She slipped her shoes off and curled her legs beneath her on the seat. “I can be. Under the right circumstances,” she teased right back.

  He glanced over and she fluttered her eyelashes at him and grinned.

  * * *

  Landon pulled up to his parents’ house, knowing they were away for the weekend. He had the key and permission to use the pool during the summertime, so he’d decided to bring Vivi here for some alone time and a swim. She’d worked hard all weekend and had been bombarded with people wanting her attention, and here she could relax and not worry about anything but the sun … and hopefully him.

  “Where are we?” she asked as he cut the engine, placed an arm on the steering wheel, and turned to face her.

  “We are at Casa Bennett. My parents have a pool.”

  Her face grew pale and her eyes went wide. “Your parents? Oh, no. I can’t meet them. I’m Vic’s sister. My brother killed–” She slammed her jaw shut and looked out the window. “You know,” she said. “How could you bring me here?”

  He slid a hand onto her shoulder and brushed her hair away. “Hey. They’re away, okay? Relax.” He hadn’t meant to throw her off-balance.

  Her shoulders eased down and he realized she was shaking. He squeezed with one hand, trying to calm her. “Jesus. I’m sorry, Vivi. It wasn’t such a good surprise after all.” Sure, he’d thought about her meeting his parents and knew he had to break the news to them first.

  She tipped her head and looked up at him. “This is why we’re a bad idea.”

  Ignoring her statement, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Sparks flew immediately, desire arcing between them so fast and furious her mouth opened beneath his. His tongue glided against hers and she moaned, their mouths joining, feeling like pure heaven.

  He pulled back, his hand stroking her cheek. “And that’s why we’re a good idea. Now, can we go hang out and relax? That’s all I want. Just to be with you while I can.”

  She treated him to a forced grin, and he was determined that by the end of the day, her smile would be for real.

  They exited the vehicle and grabbed their bags. He’d stopped to pick up sandwiches and drinks, though he knew his mom always kept a stocked fridge. They were only away for two days, so she wouldn’t have thrown anything out.

  “So this is where I grew up,” he said as he let them inside. And though it wasn’t always easy to come back here, it was his first home. “And since my place doesn’t have a pool, I figured there’s no reason not to use it. Come on.”

  He let them into the house, which was a large home tha
t some people said was in a McMansion type of neighborhood in Connecticut. “My dad’s a stockbroker,” he said, grasping her hand and leading her through the house. He planned to skip the tour, not wanting to end up in Levi’s room. “And Mom was the librarian in the high school. She loved teaching but she’s retired now.” She left after Levi’s death, finding it difficult to be around kids, but again, not something he wanted to bring up to Vivi. “They’re awesome people.”

  “Sounds like you love them a lot. I feel the same way about my mom.”

  He paused at the linen closet and pulled out some oversized towels before directing her to the sliding doors that led outside. “What about your dad?” he asked, shutting the sliders.

  “Here, let me help.” She placed her bag down, took the towel, and helped him cover two chairs. “My father was two different people,” she said, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from the towel.

  Rising, she faced him. “A great parent to me and a shitty parent to Vic.” She held up a hand. “I’m not offering up an excuse. I’m just stating facts because you asked. He died five years ago.”

  He swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Vivi … I want to get to know you. If it means hearing about Vic, so be it. I’m never going to get over what happened, but I’m not going to hold it against you.”

  She glanced up at him. “You’re a good man, Landon.”

  “I’m a man who wants to get to know a woman, period. Now can we enjoy the sun?” He grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head, revealing an already tanned chest and rippled muscles that had her drooling.

  She appreciated him lightening the moment. With a grin, she mimicked him, taking off her tee shirt, leaving herself wearing nothing but the skimpy bikini.